At the Palazzo Castelmare people really did expect to enjoy themselves.

There was dancing for the young, cards for the old, and eating and drinking for all.

For the Palazzo Castelmare was the only house in Ravenna at which suppers were ever given.

There three balls and three handsome suppers were provided for all the society of Ravenna every year! And the first of these always took place on the 2nd of January; the Capo d'Anno being left for the state reception at the Legate's palace.
Well might little Signor Ercole Stadione say, what would become of Ravenna if anything were to happen to the Marchese Lamberto! All the people came much about the same time; and there was then half an hour or so, before the dancing commenced, during which the main object and amusement of the assemblage was to escape from misfortune, which it was well known the Conte Leandro meditated inflicting on the society.

He was known to have written a poem for the opening of the new year, which was then in his pocket, and which he purposed reading aloud to the company, if he only could get a chance! He was looking very pale, and more sodden and pasty about the face than usual, from the effects of his excesses at the Legate's the night before.